Preparing for Residency in Ophthalmology

by George Waring, IV, MD

You made it- finally! Years of education, applications, interviews and debt have brought you to the doorstep of your residency in ophthalmology. Considering all you invested, careful preparation is in order to capitalize on what will prove to be the defining years of your career thus far. As Louis Pasteur said, “chance favors the prepared mind.” Think of residency as an opportunity to set yourself apart, a chance to leave a legacy in your program – these opportunities are rare. Here are some tips on making the most of your residency.

Do your homework. You were likely overloaded with details regarding your chosen residency during interviews. Contact the current residents and program coordinator to ask questions regarding living considerations, books, equipment, transportation, vacation, call, rotations, etc. prior to starting.

Set goals and dream big. Highest OKAP score, award winning research, administrative chief resident, record number of cataract surgeries, top fellowship- it can all be done, but you must clearly define and prioritize your goals in advance. This is best achieved by setting goals specific to each program level year.

Get organized. Keep copies of all non-electronic administrative documents and logs. Create your own surgical charts.

Request and define expectations. Begin each rotation by asking your preceptor to state their expectations. This will make a great first impression, and it will help you prioritize your responsibilities so that you may allocate your energy accordingly. Remember, you will also be a teacher- define expectations for medical students and junior residents.

Make a study schedule and stick with it. You will be responsible for learning a completely new knowledge base and skill set. This will require steadfast diligence in daily reading. Your goal should be to complete the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Basic Science Series once a year. Supplement your readings with questions from the end of the academy books, “Review Questions in Ophthalmology” by Chern and Wright and “The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Review Manual for Ophthalmology” by Jager and Lamkin. After you learn a new topic, teach it the next day – it ensures that you understand the concept and helps it stick. Your co-residents will appreciate and respect you for teaching.

Read the literature. Most ophthalmic journals give free subscriptions to residents. Take advantage of this incredible resource by regularly reading abstracts and full text when you are more interested. This is the most effective way to stay up to date in all aspects of ophthalmology. Throw away journals are fun and informative, but remain critical in your readings and trust the peer reviewed literature. Video surgical journals are a fantastic way to learn and improve surgical technique.

Get involved. The ACMGE currently requires all residents to participate in at least one committee. Committee participation is a wonderful way to work with your attendings outside of the clinic, and to get to know physicians in other departments. Committee service is a requisite for most administrative chief positions, and it creates a sense of investment in the program. Advocacy is also an important part of ophthalmology, and all residents should belong to their state and national political action committees. Finally, join your state ophthalmology, state and national medical and subspecialty societies

Perform research. Try to complete at least one research project prior to completion of residency with the goal of publication or a major conference presentation. Many programs require a research project.

Stay healthy. Residency will be very stressful. Manage your stress effectively by maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy diet will serve you well in the years to come.

Remain professional. Ophthalmology is a small field. You will be colleagues with your co-residents and attendings for the rest of your career. Treat them with respect in all circumstances. Do your best to avoid complaining, hearsay and excuses.

Residency only occurs once, take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Preparation will enhance your experience and will help you become a superlative ophthalmologist.